<div>Background: Application of plant bioregulators at specific concentration modify growth, flowering, flower yield and post harvest quality of flowers. Growth promoters like auxin, gibberellins and cytokinin modify physiological process by accelerating plant growth while growth retardant like cycocel and abscisic acid inhibit plant growth. But in open field cultivation of gerbera, little is known about use of growth regulators on flowering regulation. A good knowledge on use of growth regulators in gerbera is required before going to any recommendations. The current study aimed to standardize suitable bioregulators on flower production in gerbera in open field condition. 
 
Methods: The study was carried out in premises of Biotechnology cum Tissue Culture Centre, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar during 2015-16 and 2016-17. Apart from control eight treatments of growth regulators were used like GA3 @ 100 ppm and 150 ppm, cycocel @ 700 ppm and 800 ppm with or without amino acids as foliar spray. The observation were recorded from 5 randomly selected plant within each replication of treatment for different floral parameters. 
 
Result: The result revealed that days taken to flower bud initiation and days taken to flowering was minimum in GA3 @ 100 ppm + amino acid. The stalk length of flower was maximum in treatment GA3 @ 150 ppm + amino acid while largest flower diameter, maximum number of flowers and longest bloom life was observed in treatment with cycocel @ 700 ppm + amino acid. Maximum stalk thickness was found in treatment with cycocel @ 800 ppm + amino acid. The present work will be a complementary contribution to the researchers and gerbera growers in increasing productivity of this flower crops.</div>

Efficacy of Growth Regulators on Flowering of Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii B.) cv. Goliath in Open Field Condition

Background: Groundnut is an annual oilseed crop that is cultivated in many tropical and sub-tropical countries for its seed purpose. The productivity of groundnut has drastically reduced since 2015 due to an array of insect pests especially sucking pests have emerged as a prominent factor contributing to decreased yields in groundnut by direct damage as well as vectors of virus diseases.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The integrated package of practices including seed treatment with fungicide (mancozeb @ 3 g/kg seed) followed by insecticide (imidacloprid @ 2 mL/kg seed) and new generation insecticides (imidacloprid, chlorpyriphos and flubendiamide) were evaluated against sucking pests (aphid, leaf hopper and thrips) and leaf feeders (Spodoptera litura) under open field conditions in scarce rainfall zone of Andhra Pradesh, India during 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23. The parameters regarding incidence of pests, population reduction after treatment imposition, safety to natural enemies, phytotoxicity effects, extension gap, technology gap and technology index, were worked out in farmer&rsquo;s field and demonstration field.&nbsp; 
 
Result: In this present study imidacloprid 17.8 SL was performed well in controlling aphids, leaf hoppers and thrips in all the three seasons and flubendiamide 39.35 SC was concluded as best treatment against Spodoptera litura in all seasons. During all the study years, the benefic cost ratio of demo practice indicates (1.26, 1.01 and 1.04) when compared to farmers practice (0.71, 0.69 and 0.76), respectively for 2020, 2021 and 2022. Similarly, the average extension gap, technology gap and yield gap were worked out and ranged from (3.4, 3.1 and 5.3), (1.82, 4.23 and 1.82), (12.72, 11.36 and 19.46) for the years 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively.

Evaluation of Integrated Pest Management Module against Pests of Ground Nut and Productivity, Profitability Analysis under Open Field Conditions

<div>Background: The South Gujarat hilly part is considered to be a non-traditional area of strawberry cultivation in India. The poor farmers of this region are cultivating strawberries under open field condition. Both, the yield and quality of strawberry fruits of this region are not up-to-the-mark as there in other parts of the country. Hence, a low-cost improved production technology is required to maximize yield as well as improve the quality of strawberry fruits. &nbsp; 
 
Methods: Uniform runners of strawberry cv. Winter Dawn were grown in open field under paddy straw as bedding material. Foliar spraying of plant growth regulators viz. NAA (50, 75, 100 and 125 mg l-1) and GA3 (50, 75, 100 and 125 mg l-1) were done at 30 and 60 days after planting. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with control plants receiving no spray treatments and replicated thrice.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The plant growth parameters like plant spread, number of leaves, number of crowns, leaf area, length of petiole, number of runners were recorded maximum with the application of 100 mg l-1 GA3. This treatment was also found to be the best in respect of number of flowers, number of fruits, fruit weight, marketable and total fruit yield of strawberry. Strawberry fruits with the highest total soluble solid, ascorbic acid, reducing sugar, non-reducing sugar and total sugar content were recorded in the plants which received 125 mg l-1 NAA. However, the plant growth regulator treatments failed to influence any significant effect on days taken to 50.0% flowering, fruit firmness and acidity content of strawberry fruits.&nbsp;</div>

<div>Effect of Plant Growth Regulators on Growth, Yield and Quality of Strawberry (Fragaria &times; ananassa Duch.) Cv. Winter Dawn under Open Field Conditions of South Gujarat</div>

<div>Background: Sowing density optimal is rated a less expensive solution for enhancing the output of tomato yield in the background of extending food requirements worldwide.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The main objective of this study is to investigate the sowing density effect on the growth and tomato yield planted in Don Duong district of Lam Dong province, Vietnam. The study was conducted during the spring tomato crop (January to June 2020) with five different sowing densities varying from 33000 to 50000 plants/ha based on drip irrigation system supply approximately 100% of actual evapotranspiration.&nbsp; 
 
Result: Results pointed out that among investigated sowing densities, sowing density 45830 plants/ha obtained the optimal fruit yield (OFY) up to 87.8 tons/ha compared with different sowing densities while other observed variations as the number of bunches, fruit weight per plant and diameter were no significant difference. Based on the findings, tomato growers can sow with a density 45830 plants/ha to obtain the OFY thereby contributing to increase profits.</div>

​Optimization of Sowing Density for Improving Fruit Yield of Tomatoes Grown in Open-field Crop

<div>Background: The primary objective of the current study is to evaluate the environmental risks and heavy metal contamination in irrigation water, soil and crops cultivated in agricultural fields near certain oil fields. 
 
Methods: Atomic absorption spectrometry was used to test and analyze water, soil and plant samples for Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Lead (Pb), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Nickel (Ni) and Zinc (Zn). 
 
Result: The samples extremely low concentrations of Cd, Cr and Pb were found in the laboratory, indicating that the local environment is free of these heavy metal contaminants. Fe was the dominant pollutant, exhibiting severely high concentrations, soil at the Amara site (BS) contained Fe at 85,369.62 mg/kg, far exceeding the WHO safety limit. Mn also showed significant contamination, with crop levels reaching 821.97 mg/kg, well above recommended guidelines. In contrast, concentrations of Cu (13.21-83.15 mg/kg), Ni (3.44-86.26 mg/kg) and Zn (52.88-174.40 mg/kg) in water, soil and crop samples were found to be within the permissible limits according to international standards. This stark divergence confirms that the multi-element contamination, as identified by the composite index, is primarily driven by Fe and Mn. The significant bioaccumulation of these metals in crops Fe at 645-673 mg/kg versus a 50-300 mg/kg standard, highlights a critical pathway from soil to the food chain. These findings unequivocally point to anthropogenic activities from the oil fields as the source of pollution, posing a direct threat to agricultural safety and potential human health risks.&nbsp;</div>

Assessment of the Risks of Heavy Metal Contamination in Irrigation Water, Soils and Crops in Agricultural Fields Near Some Oil Fields

Background: Between 2021-2023, the harmfulness of Helicoverpa armigera (H&uuml;bner)&nbsp; and Spodoptera exigua (H&uuml;bner) on different varieties of pepper was studied in the pepper fields of Khoronk community. 
&nbsp; 
Methods: Studies on the harmfulness of H. armigera (H&uuml;bner) and S. exigua (H&uuml;bner) were carried out in 2021-2023 in the pepper fields of Khoronk community of Armavir marz. Experiments were carried out on the main 7 varieties cultivated in the community, to the methodology adopted in entomology. 
&nbsp; 
Result: As a result of studies, it was revealed that both pests damage plants in the larval stage. They feed on the vegetative and generative organs of the plant. Young larvae of S. exigua (H&uuml;bner) feed on newly opened leaves, enter into the leaves, cover them with a web and feed inside it. They then come out and spread over the plant and feed on leaves of different heights, as a result of which&nbsp; scratches of irregular shape and size occur on the leaves. Most mature larvae enter the fruit, feed on the seeds, because of which the fruit rot. Larvae&nbsp; of H. armigera (H&uuml;bner) initially feed on flowers and flower buds, and after some time they move on to leaves. Larvae feed on the upper and epidermis of the leaf, leaving the lower unharmed. As a result of the damage, the dries up, falls off, and the leaves look porous. Mature larvae mostly damage the fruit. Larvae enter the fruit from anywhere in the fruit, opening deep holes. They feed on seeds in the fruit. Damaged fruits begin to ripen prematurely, various harmful pathogens penetrate from the damaged areas, as a result of which the fruits rot. According to the results of studies carried out on 7 different varieties of pepper during the period of intensive development of H. armigera (H&uuml;bner) and S. exigua (H&uuml;bner), the most significant damage by pests was recorded in Hayk variety, and the least in Arevaham variety. 
&nbsp;

Pests of Helicoverpa armigera (H&uuml;bner) and Spodoptera exigua (H&uuml;bner) in Pepper Fields in Armenia

<div style="text-align: justify;">The aim of this study was to investigate the possible effects of 50 Hz electromagnetic fields (EMFs) generated by high power lines on the morphology of rat liver and apoptosis. For this purpose, 28 adult male rats weighing 200-250 g were used. The treatment groups were kept in a shelter that were 7.5 m far from the high power lines carrying 170 kV (50 Hz) energy. The control animals (Group 1) were kept in an animal house where no electromagnetic fields were exposed. The animals of the groups 2, 3 and 4 were exposed to EMF (170 kV, 50 Hz) continously for 1, 2 and 3 months, respectively. At the end of the study periods, the animals were sacrificed and their livers were collected. Histopathological evaluation indicated that inflammatory cell infiltration localized in the portal areas was seen in the liver of experimental groups rats. Bax and Bcl-2 positive staining was observed in the liver of control and experimental groups, but both Bax and Bcl-2 staining was intense in Group 3. In conclusion, long- term exposure to EMFs may cause inflammatory changes and apoptosis in liver of rats.</div>

Pathological and immunohistochemical effects of electromagnetic fields on rat liver

Background: Pigeonpea, Cajanus cajan (L.) is a vital pulse crop in South Asia, with India accounting for 90% of it&rsquo;s global production. Its protein content (21-25%) is essential for nutrition and plays significant role in improving food security and nutrition in regions with limited resources. The insect pest attacks in Pigeonpea cause significant amount of grain loss in field and storage, the research was carried out to investigate the carryover of pest from field to storehouses and to study the efficacy of oils on C. maculatus management in which literature available is scarce. 
 
Methods: This study was carried out at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology Meerut, U.P., India during the year 2020-2022. Pigeonpea seeds were collected from research farm threshing floor of ICAR-IIFSR, Meerut. Infestations of pulse beetle carried from field to storage was studied on basis of mean no. of eggs laid and mean seed damage caused by beetle. To study efficacy of oils, the seeds were subjected to linseed, mustard, soybean, rice bran, safflower, castor, mahua and neem oil each at concentrations of 0.20, 0.50 and 1.00 ml per 100 g of seeds and five pair of beetles of same age were released into each container and removed after 5 days to study the damage incurred. 
 
Result: In the carryover study, maximum oviposition (16.88 eggs) was recorded on freshly harvested seeds that were kept open in storehouse for infestations which witnessed field as well as storage egg laying. Oils application on seeds showed 1ml oil per 100 g seed as most suitable dosage and neem oil, castor, mahua as most successful oil providing beetle control in terms of oviposition, damage and adult survival. Residual action of oil on seed surface after 3 months revealed different oil treatments showed significant reduction in the number of eggs laid, adult emergence and seed damage due to C. maculatus in pigeonpea seeds in comparison to control. Mean reductions in the number of eggs, adult emergence and seed damage were relatively higher in all the oil treatments.

Carryover of Callosobruchus maculatus (Fab.) in Pigeon Pea Seeds from Field to Storage and its Management by Smearing Oil on Seeds

The study was conducted at the Central Institute for Research on Goats, Makhdoom, Mathura; under the division nutrition feed resources and products technology for the study of farm rearing condition. A total of 479 milk samples were collected from field and farm rearing condition 222 single (field 28 and farm 194), twins 230 (field 66 and farm 164) and triplets 27 (field 08 and farm 19) milk samples. The overall average calcium content of all above samples in all rearing and births was 0.1455&plusmn;0.0019 per cent. Phosphorus content was significantly greater in farm samples than field rearing samples in all multiple births. Potassium percentage in the milk of Jamunapari goat breed under field and farm rearing conditions in single, twins and triplets birth was found to be 0.113&plusmn;0.0008 and 0.113&plusmn;0.0008, 0.111&plusmn;0.0007 and 0.111&plusmn;0.0008 and 0.107&plusmn;0.0008 and 0.109&plusmn;0.0008 respectively. The highest magnesium, chloride and selenium content were observed in single birth samples under field as well as farm rearing samples. Multiple births had conspicuous effects on milk quality of goats under study.

Effect of multiple births on Jamunapari goat milk minerals under field and farm rearing conditions

<div>Background: External skeletal fixator (ESF) has been recommended as biological method to stabilize open fracture as it does not involves the wound site, besides protecting adjacent soft tissue structures. Considering the advantages of ESF, this study was envisaged with an objective to study the outcome of open fractures of radius-ulna and tibia-fibula stabilized with linear ESF in dogs. 
 
Methods: This study included 17 dogs suffering from open long bone fractures of radius-ulna and tibia-fibula, divided into three groups; linear ESF type I or II (group I, n=8) and type III (group II, n=3). In group III (n=6), open fractures were initially treated using conservative methods i.e management of open wound till complete healing followed by delayed internal fixation using intramedullary pin or bone plating. 
 
Result: Majority of the open fractures of radius-ulna and tibia-fibula were transverse (64.71%), involving distal third diaphysis (47.06%) in heavy weight (54.55%), 1-3 year old (64.71%), non-descript (35.29%), male (88.23%) dogs due to automobile accidents (58.82%). Neutrophilic (81.47&plusmn;4.45%) leukocytosis (24610&plusmn;2461.88 per cumm) and elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase and creatine kinase were observed. Staphylococcus spp. was the common isolated bacteria sensitive to Gentamicin, Cefotaxime, Tobramycin, Amikacin and Neomycin. High per cent fractures (83.33%) in group III had acceptable functional outcome as compared to fractures treated with linear ESF (55.55%) in groups I and II. Osteomyelitis due to pin tract infections was the major complication (8/11; 72.7%) recorded in ESF groups (Group I and II) that lead to delayed and/or nonunion. Weight bearing score improved markedly after removal of the ESF frame. In conclusions, immediate fixation of the long bone fracture using linear ESF in the presence of open contaminated / infected wounds leads to unacceptable outcome. Poor animal compliance, pin tract discharge, osteomyelitis, delayed union and nonunion are major complications associated with linear ESF. Conservative management of the open fracture wound using standard treatment for 2-3 weeks till complete wound healing followed by internal fixation with intramedullary pin or bone plate is recommended for open long bone fractures in dogs.</div>

Efficacy of Growth Regulators on Flowering of Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii B.) cv. Goliath in Open Field Condition

Evaluation of Integrated Pest Management Module against Pests of Ground Nut and Productivity, Profitability Analysis under Open Field Conditions

Effect of Plant Growth Regulators on Growth, Yield and Quality of Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) Cv. Winter Dawn under Open Field Conditions of South Gujarat

Optimization of Sowing Density for Improving Fruit Yield of Tomatoes Grown in Open-field Crop

Assessment of the Risks of Heavy Metal Contamination in Irrigation Water, Soils and Crops in Agricultural Fields Near Some Oil Fields

Pests of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) and Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) in Pepper Fields in Armenia

Pathological and immunohistochemical effects of electromagnetic fields on rat liver

Carryover of Callosobruchus maculatus (Fab.) in Pigeon Pea Seeds from Field to Storage and its Management by Smearing Oil on Seeds

Effect of multiple births on Jamunapari goat milk minerals under field and farm rearing conditions

Outcome of Open Long Bone Fractures in Dogs Stabilized with Linear External Skeletal Fixator